The 30 Most Luxurious Student Housing Buildings

Most of us cringe at the memories of college housing, stuffed in tight quarters with sterile surroundings and just enough space to get your work done. These schools are proving that those days are long gone. As the college admission rate continues to rise and schools look for ways to attract future students, luxurious amenities are becoming popular for students who want to make their living experiences comparable to a luxury vacation.

These colleges boast everything from a stress relieving ball pit to televisions in every room. On those snowy winter days, students have a short stroll down the hall to enjoy the in house dining options, game rooms, and workout facilities. If the thought of having to live in cramped quarters makes college seem like a nightmare, check out our list to find options for living in style while you get your degree!

1.Hub at Tuscon at The University of Arizona, Tuscon – Arizona

Photo Credit: Kevin Kaminski, Modern Depiction

The Hub at Tucson is just about as luxury as it gets. Not are the rooms spectacular, with private beds and baths, fully equipped kitchens (even a Keurig!) , walk in closets, and your very own washer and dryer, but the building amenities are comparable to a stay in a tropical oasis. Inside has all of the essentials; gaming, fitness, and executive meeting rooms, and a spa which includes a sauna, steam room, and tanning beds. Outside, the rooftop infinity pool is the main attraction. But when you’re feeling waterlogged, there’s always a 22 foot LED TV, a grilling gazebo, hammocks, and a sand volleyball court – with stadium seating.

2.Osprey Fountains at The University of North Florida – Jacksonville, Florida

Osprey Fountains is The University of North Florida’s newest housing complex which opened in 2009. It boasts in house amenities such as a fitness center, video game room, convenience store, and library for studying. Technically, the best amenities are outside! Not only does the Florida weather make the outdoor pool a perfect place to relax after class, there’s also a lazy river for times you just can’t put the effort into the butterfly stroke. Active students can enjoy the tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, along with a putting green and lighted running track. You may not be spending most of your time in the rooms, but when you need a rest you’ll have the option of staying in either a single or double bedroom that is a part of a four or six bed suite – each suite including two personal bathrooms.

Price Range: $1,130 – $5,000 per semester

3.The Callaway House at University of Texas, Austin – Austin, Texas

The Callaway House is one of the most premium student housing options on the market – At the University of Texas, and across the Unites States. No matter if you want to live in your own apartment, or with 3 other people, there are eight different floor plans to choose from. Each comes fully furnished with leather couches, stainless steel appliances, a kitchenette and hardwood floors. When things get a little messy, don’t worry about it. These suites all have maid service. Students have access to study areas, computer labs, and iPad stations – and when its time to let off some steam, there’s a huge pool and patio, a fitness center, and theater room.

Price Range: $5,990 – $8,740 Per Semester

4.Ivy House & Windsor Hall at the University of Florida – Gainesville, Florida

Photo Credit – Trimark Properties, Dorms for UF Students

Ivy House and Windsor hall are the Luxury Residences of the University of Florida – that’s even what they go by! There’s no consensus on which one is really better, but they’re both extremely spacious dorm options with fully loaded amenities – each with their own personality. Ivy house is a female-only residence with a sun deck, private jetted jacuzzis, a living room with a fireplace and big screen tv, and a gourmet kitchen. The rooms in Windsor, the co-ed house, hall have their own kitchenettes and attached luxury bathrooms and are a bit bigger than Ivy House. These two housing options offer rooms that are much bigger than traditional dorms – and their cheaper too! You don’t even have to sacrifice distance, class is just a short walk away.

Price Range: $529 – $859 Per Month

5.Calhoun Lofts at University of Houston – Houston, Texas

At the University of Houston, you can enjoy urban style living with all of the essentials you need. These 1-2 bedroom lofts have 10-foot ceilings, kitchens with refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, microwaves, and granite counter tops, and can either come furnished or unfurnished. If you ever decide to leave your room, there’s a 10,500 sq/ft retail center which includes a market, subway, and Barnes and Noble. And of course, every urban loft needs roof terraces, sky lounges, an exercise room, and a private court yard.

The Metropolitian isn’t a dorm owned by FIDM, but it is one of the only four housing complexes available to students and owned by private companies. Students are regulated just like they would be in in a dorm, but they have the amenities of a 5 star hotel! Located in the heart of LA and right across the street from the fashion institute and all of your classes, this is the closest housing to FIDM. Each apartment has a private balcony, a kitchen with GE appliances, a vanity, living space, and large windows with beautiful views. The community offerings are where it gets luxurious. Outside there is a heated pool, sundeck and covered spa, along with a courtyard with all of the grilling essentials. You’re surrounded by shopping and nightlife, but you also have the option to stay in and enjoy the private theatre and community lounge with a billiards table. For these fashion students, there are also design and drawing rooms to get your work done!

Price Range: About $1,000 per month

7.Morgens Hall at The University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, Ohio

Morgen’s Hall is fully renovated and fully loaded. These apartment style dorms include their own kitchen areas, colorful paint, and a beautiful view from floor to ceiling windows. This apartment is eco friendly with its innovative window insulation feature – and each apartment can be individually heated or cooled. The windows can also be adjusted to turn opaque to keep out light. Like any luxury dorm, study lounges and recreational equipment are available for use.

Simmons Hall, affectionately named ‘The Sponge’ for its unique exterior, is located on the campus of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This residential building is all about community and relaxation. Not only does this award winning building have plenty of lounges equipped with all of your entertainment needs, there’s also a giant ball pit to play in for those times you just need to let off some steam. When its time for a snack, Johns smoothies are the best option – having won the World Smoothie awards 5 times! The vegan friendly in-house dining means you’ll never go hungry. Dorms are singles and doubles, and many come with their own private bathrooms.

North Lake Village lives up to its name, by being situation on an 80-acre recreation lake. The opportunities for water activities don’t end there. There’s also a swimming pool, and your only 15 minutes away from… you guessed it, the gulf coast. Floor plan options go from single rooms, to four room, and include a kitchen, living room, and one or two bathrooms depending on your layout. In addition to these luxuries, Gulf Coast students can also enjoy gas grills, tennis courts and recreation fields, and a computer and study center. These dorms are nothing short of luxurious, but with warm weather all around, you may not ever want to go inside!

Price Range: $2,410 – $3,398

10.Durfee at Yale- New Haven, Connecticut

The history in all of Yale’s dormitories are full of character. In this dorm specifically, Gilmore Girls was filmed and Anderson Cooper stayed during his first year. The building was designed so that 80% of the rooms are singles with walk in closets. They form a suite of six or nine rooms that share bathrooms and a common area. In the common rooms you will find beautiful architecture and wood-paneled walls, along with a fireplace in each one. Skylights primarily light the 5th floor, and in all of the rooms there are no overhead lights inside of the suites. Durfee Sweet Shop is on the ground level to make sure your cravings are always satisfied.

Price Range: about $14,000 per year

11.Max Palevsky Residential Commons at The University of Chicago – Chicago, Illinois

We just couldn’t pick the best house in the Max Palevsky Residential Commons, so we included them all! Each of these buildings has their own culture and history, but they all have similar floor plans and amenities. Students can enjoy bathrooms to themselves, and amenities include a lounce, tv/rec room, computer room, study room, and music practice room. The best thing about these houses is that they each foster a sense of community by participating in individual traditions that range from weekly tea time, spring camping trips, midnight soccer in the fall, and annual Super Bowl and Oscars night parties.

12.Sontag and Pomona Halls at Pomona College – Claremont, California

Sontag and Pomona are the newest residential buildings on Pomona College campus, which won the Builder’s Choice and Custom Home Design Awards in 2013. This building is super eco-friendly, with air condition in each unit that shuts off when the windows are opened, daylight sensors, electrical cut-off switches and low water use fixtures. You can either live in a 3 or 6 bedroom suite, each with a common living room and kitchens on each floor. There’s also a drop-down movie screen and roof top garden patio, which of course consists of solar panels to heat the dorm’s water.

Price Range: $4,275 Per Semester

13.Hurlbut at Harvard – Cambridge, Massachusetts

All of Harvard’s housing options are unique, and offer their own historic touches. On display today is Hurlbut Hall, which as shown above, has fireplaces in many of the rooms (perhaps not in use however!). In Hurlbut you can either have a single with a shared hall bathroom, or be a part of a six person suite, bathroom included. In this dorm your close to a library, late night restaurant, and a perfect lawn for picnicking. The draw of living in this dorm is definitely the historic and unique touches that are in each spacious room.

Price Range: As much as $10,000 Per Semester

14.The Lawn at the University of Virginia – Charlottesville, VA

Living on the Lawn at UVA is considered an honor. The Lawn was designed by Thomas Jefferson himself, and is surrounded by the school’s Academial Village and beautiful stretch of grass. Rather than luxury amenities, you’re surrounded by a rich history and your own private space within it. As a liver on the lawn, you’re expected to keep your door open as a part of tradition. Bedrooms even come with your own rocking chair to place outside your room to take in the view. Students Residents are expected to be exemplary members of the lawn community, and strive to be leaders and scholars.

Price Range: $6,020 – $6,170 Per Year

15.Student Village (StuVi2) at Boston University – Boston, Massachusetts

Student Village is Boston Universities newest residence hall, or halls – as it is comprised of 33 Harry Agganis Way and 10 Buick Street, its two towers. Students can enjoy kitchens that are shared with no more than 6 people, and as little as two, central air, and furnished living, dining, and bedrooms. Amenities in the buildings have just about everything you need from laundry rooms, music practice rooms, reading rooms, and even a market and Dunkin Donuts open until midnight. This high rise offers the best view of Boston a student can hope to get.

Price Range: $12,070 – $16,140 Per Year

16.South 40 at Washington University – St. Louis, Missouri

On the tranquil setting of South 40, located at Washington University in St. Louis, you will find all the comforts of home and then some! The plush, dorm style living includes Tempurpedic beds in the rooms, a fitness center complete with a dance studio, and a rooftop garden. The school also boasts of having its own bakery and a large, separate kosher kitchen with a full menu. Just about every part of South 40 is now available to be named after you, including the dorms, for a hefty donation.

Price Range: About $15,280 (including board) Per Year

17.North Quadrangle Residential and Academic Complex at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan

This residence building at The University of Michigan is so coveted that first year students don’t even have a chance at its luxurious living. The private and spacious rooms set to mimic apartment living are only some of its benefits. Additional amenities include bike routes, learning communities, a TV studio, lounges on every floor and communal spaces with work areas and conference rooms with video conference equipment and media facilities. The cherry on top? The dining hall has reached ‘gold status’ for exotic fare like their famous burger crumble tacos and even have served shark!

Price Range: $5,978 – $8,204 Per Semester (Apartment Rates)

18.Cuarto at The University of California, Davis – Davis, California

Students can find plenty of space at UC Davis’s Cuarto Area which is located in Davis, California and comprised of three Halls – Emerson, Thoreau, and Webster. The main attraction for this student housing area is its two swimming pools, spa, and landscaped courtyards. Apartments can house up to four students, and include either one or two bedrooms per suite. There is a full service dining room, an area for snacks, and large community villages for shopping and dining. With over 500 students on campus, there’s also plenty of bike parking and a full service activities center.

Price Range: $11,846 – $15,581 Per Year (Includes Meal Plan)

19.Newman Towers at Loyola University of Maryland – Baltimore, Maryland

Some of the many perks of living at Newman Towers at Loyola, are having a walk in closet, full service kitchen, and even a convenience store on the ground floor of your dorm. These luxury suites can sleep four to eight students and come furnished with beds, desks, dressers, electric stoves, refrigerators, sinks, and cabinets, and also include a dining table with soft chairs to enjoy your meals. But there’s no pressure to use your own kitchen! Iggy’s Market on the ground floor is similar to a Wegman’s, so when the homework is flowing in, you have the option of take out that’s fresh and healthy.

Price Range: $10,900 Per Year

20.State Street Village at the Illinois Institute of Technology – Chicago, Illinois

This modern dorm was built by acclaimed international architect Helmut Jahn, and has a room type for every student, including singles, suites, 2, 3, and 6 bedroom apartments. The best part about this housing option is the location: the “L” Train the runs right behind the buildings, and they have a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline, which makes you feel like you’re in the heart of the city! There are student lounges on each floor, and roof-top decks on each building. With three buildings, this housing structure can accommodate 367 students.

With its amazing views, its proximity to the White House, and private dorms and private baths, you can enjoy the opulence of city living in the D.C. area as you attend George Washington University. The dorms, or apartments, have high speed internet, air conditioning, elevators, wireless internet, cable, full service kitchens with mini fridges and microwaves and also come equipped with desks, beds and furniture. This building is conveniently located right across from the Lerner Health and Wellness Center, and in house dining options include Dunkin Donuts, Pita Pit, and Potbelly’s.

Price Range: $13,760 – $14,670 Per Year

22.First Street Towers at Purdue University – West Lafayette, Indiana

First Street Towers is the luxury residence at Purdue University. The dorms include central air conditioning, kitechenettes, twin beds, a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, free internet and cable, and all of the furniture you’ll need. For times when you want to catch the basketball game, there are two lounges on each floor, each with a 47 inch flat screen TVs resting in an entertainment center that has been custom designed by Amish carpenters. Additionally, the building includes a recreational lounge, music room, workshop for special projects, and vending and ice machines.

Price Range: $13,792 – $14,898 Per Year

23.Founders Hall at New York University – New York City, New York

All of NYU’s dorms are exceptionally located with stunning views and unique features, but Founders hall is on display today as NYU’s newest residence hall! Rooms in founders are spacious suites with their own adjoining bathroom. In this 26-story building, you will have some of the most amazing views in the city. You can spend time in the private and quiet library or in open area communal rooms. There’s even a courtyard to enjoy the outdoors – not easy to find in NYC! This dorm is a two minute walk from several dining options, and only two blocks away from Union Square Subway station for easy access to the rest of the city and classes.

Price Range: $6,792 Per Semester

24.Laurel Village at Colorado State University – Fort Collins, Colorado

Laurel Village contains Colorado State University’s two newest residence halls, Alpine and Pinion Hall. Floor plans range from one person suites to quad style living, and each comes with your own bathroom or sink – for singles. These modern residences foster a sense of community, bring students together with study spaces, lounges, a courtyard, and the LV Pavilion right next door with game rooms, meeting spaces – and even a bike repair shop! Living in a brand new facility with state of the art features is a perk in itself, but once you step outside and take in the mountain view you’ll realize why this is one of the best places to live!

Price Range:

25.The Village Apartments at Montclair University – Montclair, New Jersey

At Montclair University, you have the option of staying in the Village Apartments as a junior or senior. Not only do these 4 resident apartments come with a full kitchen, living room, and one or two bathrooms, but the complex also has a outdoor pool and basketball court. While you may feel like you’re living in an off campus apartment building, there are still RA’s on every floor and its just a short walk to campus.

Price Range: $4,800 -$5,332 per semester

26.University Village Suites at Kennesaw State University – Kennesaw, Georgia

The University Village Suites are a freshman only housing option, and still offer all of the perks of apartment living that are usually only available to upperclassmen! Living in a 1, 2, or 4 bedroom suite includes a mini kitchen, a shared bathroom, a built in bar with stools, and all of the necessary furniture. Much like paying normal housing costs, this building lets students have their own individual lease so that you’re not responsible for flaky roommates rent. The in house Hoot Restaurant and Peace Cafe make sure you’re never starving, or having to brave the elements for a bite to eat! The community amenities include a computer lab, study room, community kitchens, laundry rooms, lounge areas, game rooms, and an art gallery.

Price Range: $585 – $660 Per Month

27.Hurst Hall at Mississippi State University – Starkville, Mississippi

Hurst Hall was completed in 2006, and has high end features for its residents that make this dorm a luxury for freshman and upperclassmen. The rooms are typically doubles, each with a private bathroom, microwave, refrigerator, and individual room temperature. They describe them as ‘hotel-style’, so you can expect all of the same amenities, except for maybe a mini-bar and daily replenishment of shampoo and conditioner! The doors are even the same kind of card swiping system in lieu of keys. The building has shared community spaces, laundry rooms, study rooms, a ping pong table, and a spacious courtyard.

Price Range: $2,971 – 3,311 Per Semester

28.The Units at the University of California, Berkeley – Berkeley, California

The Units at UC Berkeley are a high rise living options for undergraduate students. While rooms are typical dorm style, with two to three beds and furnished with desks and dressers, the real luxury is the view. Some rooms have a bay view, and the lounges on each floor have balconies to take it all in. The buildings in this complex, which even include larger apartments mostly for graduate students, form a central courtyard. Students have access to a laundry facility, a central fitness facility, and ‘Crossroads’ a diner only a half a block away. Each unit in the complex also has an Academic Services center, with workstations and scheduled academic support and resources.

Price Range: $6,363 – $8,512

29.The Yurts at St. Lawrence University – Canton, New York

Depending on your definition of luxury, staying in a Yurt in the middle of the Andirondacks could be your ideal location! Forget granite counter tops and flat screen TVs. These yurts ensure you’re in a serene environment and surrounded by the great outdoors. This isn’t your typical housing option. The ‘Andirondack Semester’ at St. Lawrence University is specifically designed for students interested in outdoor leadership. You’ll live in the yurts through the program, and get the full ‘camping’ experience, with propane lights and cooking range, a wood stove and bunks. Its right near rock climbing, mountaineering, and back country ski courses!

Price Range: $3,308, The same cost as normal room.

30.Maria’s Tower at Pace University – New York City, New York

Ever wish you didn’t have to leave your dorm for class during those cold winters? At this central Pace University building, its all in the same building and classes are just a short elevator ride away. The floor plans in this building are either a single or a double room, and many beds are lofted to provide more space. Also in the same building are dining options, shared community space, and free laundry facilities. This is an alcohol-free building, so students 21 and up are generally discouraged from living here. Enjoy the luxury while you’re still young!